Cann, Reber Simpkins, 1902-1985
Dates
- Existence: 1902 - 1985
Biographical Note
Reber Simpkins Cann (1902-1985), educator, activist and social worker.
Reber Simpkins was born on July 26, 1902 in the town of Woodsworth, Louisiana in Rapides Parish. Her father was Reverend James A. Simpkins and her mother was Bijou Turner. The eldest of three children, Reber’s younger siblings were Ruth Simpkins and William T. Simpkins. Reber Simpkins attended elementary and high school in the town of Shreveport, Louisiana and graduated from Central High School. Upon completing her studies at Central High School, she enrolled at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. Simpkins stayed at Wiley College for one year, then transferred to Wilberforce University to complete her bachelor of arts degree. She went on to pursue further study at the University of Cincinnati.
Simpkins Cann began her career as a teacher at the same elementary school from which she graduated in Shreveport, Louisiana. She taught at the school for one year, then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. In Cincinnati, she was hired at the Shoemaker Clinic; later Simpkins Cann gained employment at the Transient Service Bureau and worked in the Welfare Department where, after fourteen years of service, she became a supervisor.
One of the first Black women elected to the Cincinnati Woman’s City Club, Simpkins Cann was also named the first woman of the year honoree of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. An active member of Allen Temple Church, she served on its trustee board for twenty-five years, was the chairperson of the budget and finance committee, and was a member of the church’s Artist Guild and Fellowship Council. Simpkins Cann was one of the first Black women on the Cincinnati Council of Church Women. Initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in 1922, she served as chair of the Cincinnati chapter of the organization, national secretary from 1944 to 1952, and national vice president from 1952 to 1954. She was a charter member of the Cincinnati chapter of Links Incorporated and the Cincinnati Urban League. Simpkins Cann also served as president of the Cincinnati chapter of the National Council of Negro Women.
On July 9, 1924, Reber Simpkins married her college sweetheart, Braxton Cann. Together they had four daughters and one son: Reber Consuelo Williams, Gwen Cann, Johnnie Mae Durant, Ruth S. Hicks and Braxton Francourt Cann Jr. Reber Simpkins is also related to the Dunn-Landry family of New Orleans, Louisiana.